Simply Budgeted

ARM & HAMMER Tooth Tunes

May 18, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

We are excited to feature a sponsored campaign with ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™!

What is ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™?

Each toothbrush features two minutes of music to encourage longer brushing and ensure that kids achieve the dentist’s recommended brushing time. Two new ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ toothbrushes each feature a chart-topping single from One Direction: “What Makes You Beautiful” performed by One Direction and “One Thing” performed by One Direction.

Out of our three kids, Grace, who is 6, wanted this toothbrush. I will be the first admit that she is horrible at brushing her teeth! Horrible! She complains and complains and complains. It is too long and she wants to be done. Grace loves music though so I was hopeful the ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ toothbrush would work for her. She loved the One Direction: “What Makes You Beautiful” the first time she heard it. I admit we didn’t know the tune before trying the toothbrush but I think I will know the words before long. The only issue is trying to get Grace to not dance around with her toothbrush! She is constantly moving with the Tooth Tunes toothbrush singing to her!

Plus we are excited to help announce that Church & Dwight Co., Inc., is excited to announce the Brush with Tooth Tunes™, Rock with One Direction Sweepstakes! Enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize, four tickets to a One Direction concert in August 2013. 100 First Prize Winners will receive One Direction prize packs, with One Direction merchandise. Visit ToothTunes.com, complete the registration form and click submit to be entered for your chance to win. Enter up to once per week now through 6/30/13. Be sure to check out the ARM & HAMMER Sweepstakes Page to enter!

Want to learn more? Check out the ARM & HAMMER Tooth Tunes Website and ARM & HAMMER’s Facebook Page!

So do you think the ARM & HAMMER Tooth Tunes toothbrush would help your kids brush longer? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ partnered in support of this campaign. ARM & HAMMER™ Tooth Tunes™ compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Health & Beauty, Kids, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Family, Simply Life Tagged With: Arm & Hammer, kids, review, teeth, Tooth Tunes, toothbrush

Preparing your teen for their very first road trip

May 14, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

Post graduation is an exciting time for your teen, and they’re probably going to want to have one final taste of freedom before joining the world of us grownups! If your teen is planning their very first road trip, you’ll probably have your reservations. Whether they’re going away with a big group or a couple of friends, they’ll have a lot to prepare before they set off. If you’ll be the one doing most of the preparation, though, this guide from PassSmart is designed to help you get them, and yourself, ready for the adventure!

Who’s driving?

Credit edenmorrison at Flickr.

Depending on how big the group is, they’ll need to decide on designated drivers and make sure everyone who is planning to drive is insured on the vehicle. It’s important to make sure that more than one or two people going can drive as each driver will need enough resting time between getting behind the wheel.

What they’re driving is another question you should ask. Although we’d all love to be cruising down route 66 in our vintage, classic car, it’s probably not the most sensible of ideas. Make sure the vehicle they’ll be traveling in is reliable and not likely to leave them stranded at the side of the road. This will give you peace of mind and will ensure their journey runs smoothly.

Money saving tips

There’s no doubt that a road trip can be expensive if you don’t budget for it. Make sure your teen has got some money saving tips up their sleeve before they set off, and (hopefully) they won’t overspend whilst they’re away.

Eco-driving

Eco-friendly driving is one of the easiest ways to save fuel. Teach them some simple eco-driving tips like gentle acceleration and braking, and they’ll have to fill up on gas much less frequently.

Eating in

One of the best ways to save money on a road trip is by cutting down on eating out. Depending on how long they’re going for and where they’re going, you might be able to help them pack some supplies. Pick non-perishables so they can carry them in the car with them, making the temptation to dine out much easier to ignore!

Get the App

There are loads of apps out there which are designed to make driving long distances and exploring new places much easier. We know it’s pretty much impossible to keep them off their smartphones, so this is one tip that they’re bound to use. There are lots of free GPS navigation apps out there which they might like to try, and also lots of apps designed to help them find their nearest restaurant, hotel, activity and more.

Hands-free

Sticking to the subject of smartphones, it might be a good idea to buy them a hands-free system to use on the journey. Not only will this be a useful investment for future drives, but it will also stop any temptation to use their phone whilst driving.

Keep in touch!

Finally, make sure you keep in touch. It’s important to remember that trips like these are a rite of passage but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to worry. Check in with them every couple of days, even if it’s just a message on Facebook, and you’ll feel much more at ease knowing they’re safe and enjoying their trip!

These hints and tips were provided by PassSmart.com; a British company who work in the driver training industry.

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: driving, raod trip, safety, teens, travel

Take the Mother’s Day #SocialBlackout Challenge

May 9, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

NOTE: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

What is the #SocialBlackout on Sunday, May 12th?

MetLife has created the #SocialBlackout movement, which challenges everyone to log off of social media on Mother’s Day (May 12th) and give Mom the time and attention she deserves! Be sure to check out MetLife Facebook page for more information!

With Mother’s Day coming up are you ready to give mom all of the attention she deserves? Ever find yourself checking out Facebook or Instagram while someone is chatting with you. Guilty here!

If our kids see a cell phone at the dining room table, they call us on it. They tend to yell “Hey! No phones at the table!” Brian and I have both been caught several times with our phone at the table. You would think we would learn but apparently we need our kids to keep us accountable in this area! I will at this rule don’t just apply to our family. We had extended family over for Christmas this past year and I admit that I laughed when the girls told their uncle that he wasn’t allow to use his phone at the table. He chuckled but you know what, he put it away!

So what rules do you have around how much social media time you have? We don’t normally give ourselves the same rules we give our kids maybe it was time we did. I know the days that my phone is lost in the bottom of my purse, I get way more done. I don’t even miss checking Facebook, Instagram, or even Twitter those days.

On Sunday, Mother’s Day we taking the challenge to join in the #SocialBlackout. I am not sure that we succeed as I am sure at some we will want to share the day of celebration with family and friends. I don’t know what the family has up their sleeves yet but I have seen a lot cards floating around here. Maybe the house will be decorated in cards for Mother’s Day? I promise not to take a picture of each though and hopefully wait until Monday to share the stack.

So are you ready to join? Join the event on Facebook!

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: #socialblackout, life, metlife, mother's day, social media

Mother’s Day Shopping at NOVICA

May 7, 2013 By Beth 41 Comments

Last minute shopping for mom? We are excited to work with NOVICA on a sponsored review and help suggest some Mother’s Day gift ideas. Check out these following categories …

Handmade Mother’s Day Gifts, Mother’s Day Necklaces, or Mother’s Day Handbags!

When I saw these suggestions, I went straight to the Mother’s Day Necklaces suggestion. I saw an elephant necklace in the suggestions and kept look. I then came across the … necklace. Matthew loves elephants and since we have three kids, I thought this was a perfect Mother’s Day necklace pick for myself.

I kept look around the NOVICA website and saw the scarves. I was hoping to find one that was big enough to use as a should shrug and I did. I found this beautiful print. What do you think? I thought it would be great with black slacks and a solid color top since I am always freezing. Always.

About NOVICA …

We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.
At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.
We want you to know about who you’re buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.
In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.
NOVICA. The World is Your Market.

What is your favorite gift to give for Mother’s Day? Would the Mother’s Day’s gift suggestions help you in your gift hunt? Go check out the links and look around so you can pick your favorite item. Why? We are excited to offer one of our readers a $40 gift code in a giveaway so you can purchase a gift for yourself or for your mother! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways, Promotional, Reviews, Simply Life Tagged With: giveaway, jewelry, NOVICA, review, scarf

Coach Peyton Bag Giveaway

May 3, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

We are excited to participate in a really fun Spring themed giveaway. This one is for the ladies … maybe a late Mother’s Day present or just a great just for you present with this Coach Giveaway opportunity! This pink bag is perfect for the Spring to show off your fun side and style all at the same time!

Welcome to the Spring Coach Giveaway hosted by My Boys and Their Toys and my amazing co-hosts: Simply Budgeted, Mommy Has To Work, My Sentiment Exactlee, Sober Julie, This Lil Piglet, April Golightly, Couponwahm, How We Learn at Home, and Counting To Ten.

Details about the Coach Peyton Hobo:

Signature embossed patent leather
Outside open pocket
Adjustable double strap with 20″ drop-converts to single long strap for shoulder or crossbody wear
Zip top closure, fabric lining
Inside zip, cell phone and multi-function pockets

Measures: 13 3/4 (L) x 11″ (H) x 4″ (W)
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaways, Promotional, Simply Life Tagged With: Coach, fashion, giveaway, purse

Steps with Balance Rewards at Walgreens

April 28, 2013 By Brian Leave a Comment

Have you checked out the Steps with Balance Rewards program at Walgreens?

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Walgreens #cbias #SocialFabric

What were the easiest ways for you to earn points? What took a little more effort on your part? How do you reward yourself when you meet your goals? How is Steps with Balance Rewards helping you achieve your goals? Share with your readers how you sign up for Step with Balance Rewards and how you earn your points. #BalanceRewards #CBias Check out the full shop in the Google + album.

The easiest way to earn points was sync my FitBit with the Steps with Balance Rewards. It updates my steps for me and I honestly just have to remember to wear my FitBit which is its own daily challenge. I also earned points by entering my weight daily. The daily update is something that became more routine the more I did it but I still didn’t forget.

I decided to check out some healthy living options at Walgreens when I went shopping with Little Man. He was very excited to help pick out juice. I picked out my favorite White Grape Juice and he picked out Apple Juice.

The signs around the store give great reminders on how to earn points. Beth has generally redeemed points when we hit 5,000 points but I think we will try to save them up based on this sign!

Shopping with a three year old can make for an interesting trip. We focused on juice and healthy drinks. The cereal is a great option to get whole grains in our kids diets even it is the flavors we pick more than the ones that we pick. As for the dinosaurs, little man was sad he was missing a baby T-Rex so he was excited to find this package of little dinosaurs.

How are we doing in points? We added 2,000 points for buying the juice this trip!

The Steps with Balance Rewards is adding to our Balance Rewards. Since I am already using the FitBit, it is great to earn the extra Balance Rewards points. Plus as I keep track of my weight, I now have a record of where I am on my mission to lose a few more pounds this summer.

Do you have a FitBit to sync with Steps with Balance Rewards? What would the Steps with Balance Rewards help you do? Sign up and check out the dashboard for all of the options you have to participate in this program!

You can find Walgreens information on their webpage, their Twitter account, and Facebook page!

Check out the Aisle Share FUN page for more information. Not signed up yet? Don’t fret! Check out the Walgreens Steps With Walgreens Balance Rewards page.

Have you signed up the Steps with Balance Rewards at Walgreens yet? How far do you think you walk each day? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Filed Under: Health & Beauty, Simply Life Tagged With: #BalanceRewards #cbias, exercise, Motivation, Steps with Balance Rewards, Walgreens

We Became THOSE Neighbors

April 24, 2013 By Beth 3 Comments

It only sat in the front flower bed for two days. Really. I promise. There is a good reason that this isn’t our house any more … toilet replacement post to come soon.

What is the worst thing you have left out in your yard … for a day … or two or even three? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Filed Under: Home & Garden, Memes, Simply Life, Wordless Wednesday Tagged With: DIY, flowers, home, picture, toilet, toilet replacement, yard

State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant

April 17, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

What is the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant?

Do you have an idea that would make your community a better place to live, and would $25,000 be a game-changer? State Farm is here with the assist. Now through March 6, people from the United States and Canada can submit a cause for a chance to win a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist™ grant.

I was trying to think of my passion in our community and I didn’t have to think long. My passions in this community are around the kids. Friday is the first Math and Science Night at Grace’s school. Why? I asked why there were not family learning activities at the school. I said I would help plan and then I ended up planning the whole event. My undergraduate degree is an engineering degree and I LOVE to hear about activities around the math and science topics. I know our kids will have an introduction to math and science being fun but that needs to be an option for all of the kids in our community. Yes, math and science can be fun. Dancing Raisins … Catapults … you know you would enjoy those activities too. I am so excited to share these with the kids on Friday.

Now it is your turn to think. How do you come up with idea? Think about areas of your town that need improved. Think about a subject you love … education, safety, etc.!

We were excited to see an effort local to us as a winner from last year’s program! The PACEM Shelter project is located in Charlottesville, VA just near us. Our church is part of the efforts to help house these men in our community during the cold winter months. Brian spent one night our church with these men and they are amazing. This program is amazing. “PACEM provided shelter for 229 people last year (2011) during the cold weather months when the chance of freezing on the streets was a very real concern.”

Was a there a winner in your community last year? Check out the list to see. Maybe even take a idea to expand it your to area or your loves!

Check out this overview video of the program:

Be sure to check out the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Website for more information on how to apply. Just ready to vote? Head over to the State Farm Neighborhood assist voting tab on Facebook!

What would you nominate for the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant Program? Leave us a comment and let us know.

NOTE: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of State Farm and I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Promotional, Simply Life Tagged With: causes, community, grant, State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant, support

One Tank Trips in Florida

April 17, 2013 By Beth 1 Comment

Whether you live in Florida, or are visiting for the weekend, the state has a lot to offer, including big cities, the Everglades, National Parks and two beautiful coasts. And depending where you are, a lot of these destinations are only about a tank of gas away. If you have some time to spend in Florida, don’t limit your visit to one area. Consider a few of these one tank Florida road trips:

Miami and Fort Lauderdale – Southern Florida is home to two cities that are famous for their vibrant nightlife and world-class beaches. Catch a Miami Heat game or check out the Fort Lauderdale beach strip on a one tank trip to these well-known Florida destinations.

The Florida Keys – If you’ve never been through the Keys, you’ve never truly experienced Florida. There are dozens of the small coral islands connected by U.S. Route 1, with lots to see and explore. Check out National Parks, rocky beaches, snorkeling tours and boat rentals while you’re there.

Orlando – If you’re bringing kids along on the road trip, head to Orlando for a theme park experience you’ll never forget. With more than 10 theme parks from which to choose, you’ll have no problem finding a park that both you and your kids will enjoy.

Gainesville – Head to Gainesville for a laid back vibe that can only be found in a college town. There are great restaurants and cafes throughout the area, and if you visit during football season, stop by the University of Florida for an authentic southern tailgating experience.

Beaches – Florida is a gold mine of beaches. Two separate coasts and hundreds of miles of sunny surf mean that you’re never more than a tank of gas away from the water. Find beaches that are off the beaten path, or check out the more famous stretches of Florida coast.

Road trip tips

If you’re planning a one tank trip in Florida, keep these road trip tips in mind:

Plan ahead: Reserve hotels and vehicle rentals as far in advance as possible to secure the best deals. Waiting until the last minute could cause you to pay hundreds of dollars more than you might have just a few weeks earlier.
Save money: Create a vacation savings fund before leaving for your trip. You should have enough money saved to pay for your expenses, plus some left over in case of emergency. Saving a little bit at a time is easy if you know how to reduce your monthly budget. Try cancelling your cable TV for a while, or applying for an auto refinance on your auto loan.
Make a playlist: No road trip is complete without an accompanying playlist. Burn a couple mix CDs, or load up your MP3 player, and hit the road on one of these memorable Florida adventures.

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: auto loan, auto refinance, family, Florida, road trip, travel

Road Trip Checklist | Car Maintenance and What to Pack

April 10, 2013 By Beth 3 Comments

Before You Hit the Road, Pack: The Essential Road Trip Checklist

Road trips aren’t for everyone, but if you’re the type who enjoys the journey as much as the destination, hitting the road is a great way to spend a vacation. But before you hop in the car and drive off, make sure you’re prepared for the trek. Use this road trip checklist before your next adventure to make sure your vacation is a success.

The car

Maintenance – Ask your mechanic to perform any scheduled car maintenance and make necessary repairs. If your car isn’t ready for the trip, it might be time for a new ride. If you can’t afford the full price of a new car, look into auto loan rates. A car loan can get you into a safer, more reliable vehicle quickly.
Car insurance – Don’t head out on the road unprotected. Make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date and consider adding roadside assistance to your policy.
Weather appropriate – Make sure your car is equipped to handle the season. All-wheel-drive and snow tires can help keep you safe in the snow.

Supplies

Food – Bring non-perishable items to snack on between meal stops. Beef jerky, peanut butter and trail mix will fill you up and keep without refrigeration.
Water – Just because you’re not active doesn’t mean you don’t have to stay hydrated. Keep bottles of drinking water in your vehicle.
Clothes – Dress for the weather, and bring warm blankets and sweaters if you’re driving in the winter.
Money – Keep some spare money on hand in case of emergencies. To save up a little extra cash, open a savings account a few months before your trip, or look for other ways to save like an auto refinance loan or reducing your cable television package.

Entertainment

Music – No road trip is complete without a playlist. Load up your MP3 player, smartphone or CD player with your favorite tunes.
Games – Pass the hours with digital word games, travel board games or one of the classics like “I Spy” or “Twenty Questions.”
Reading materials – Catch up on some reading with books, e-readers or magazines.

Navigation

GPS – A GPS device can help you stay on course, as well as help you find the nearest gas station or restaurant.
Smartphone GPS app – If you don’t have a stand-alone GPS device, most smartphones come with free navigation applications that often work just as well.
Road atlas – Sometimes nothing beats a trusty road atlas. Keep one in the car in case your electronics’ batteries die or you lose your wireless signal.

Emergency

Car jack and spare tire – In case of a flat, make sure you have a car jack and fully inflated spare tire on hand.
Road flares or reflectors – If you have car trouble after dark, make sure you’re visible to other vehicles with reflective triangles or road flares.
Flashlight – Changing a tire can be tricky enough on its own without adding the element of darkness. A flashlight is easy to pack and may come in handy after the sun goes down.
First aid kit – Accidents can happen during your road trip, and for minor ones, it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand.

We’ve all left the house with the feeling we’ve forgotten something. Put your fears to rest by using this road trip checklist, and add your own specific items like toys for your children or your pet. Using a checklist and planning ahead is the best way to make sure your trip is a success.

Filed Under: Simply Life Tagged With: family, packing, road trip, travel